Mallards at Stoke Lake.

Mallard is the most commonest duck and therefore often not observed that closely especially when there is plenty of other avian species to watch. After my encounter with the Mute Swans at Stoke Lake, with little else happening, I decided to stop at the picnic bench and partake of a little snack. Well with a sandwich in one hand and the camera close to hand it didn't take long before the local inhabitants crossed the water to check out if I had any 'handouts'. At this time of year the Mallards are in their 'eclipse' plumage and whilst it might not be that colourful I decided to take a few snaps.

A bit of preening to keep the feathers in good order.

Searching for the odd morsel that may have been missed by his friends.

And finally a couple of portraits.

The only other sightings as another band of rain drifted through were 2 Great Crested Grebes, Coot, Moorhen, Carrion Crow and a brief visit by 2 Black-headed Gulls. FAB

Mute Swans - Stoke Lake

On Wednesday the weather forecast was showers and strong winds and whilst this would not be ideal for wildlife watching I took a spin over to Stoke Lake to blow the cobwebs away! As expected there was very little avian activity as I followed the tow path and then crossed the boardwalk heading towards the lake. I did see Common Blue Damselflies and Common Darter battling the strong breeze at the waters edge but rarely perching for a rest or indeed a photocall.

At the top end of the lake there were masses of Canada Geese and as I paused a family group of Mute Swans drifted over to investgate this intruder.

One of the parents headed straight for me and gave me the once over and .......

satisfied that I presented no threat adopted the classis "S" shape pose.

The cygnets were also very much at ease as they drifted around looking for something tasty to eat.

And finally did a bit of preening.

The next inquisitors were a party of Mallards but I'll leave them for another post. FAB.

Back to "The Glade" - Darters &...

Last weekend Anita and I made a return visit to 'The Glade' within Hill House Wood at Bookham Common. It was fairly breezy and very little avian life was showing although Nuthatches were calling all over the place. Butterflies were also thin on the ground with just brief sightings of a very tatty Silver-washed Fritillary, Speckled Wood and a Gatekeeper. However there were a few Darters around and using the 70-300 lens I found what I believe is a female Common Darter.

Tatty Silver-washed Fritillary

Speckled Wood

A Ruddy Darter